Marlins OF Garrett Cooper improving from hand injury

Photo by Darin Wallentine/Getty Images
Photo by Darin Wallentine/Getty Images

The Miami Marlins got a bit of good news to go along with the team’s 4-2 win on Wednesday night. Outfielder Garrett Cooper’s hand injury is improving.

After holding their collective breaths in both the front office and in the dugout, the news is good regarding Miami Marlins outfielder Garrett Cooper and the hand injury he suffered against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

Cooper said on Wednesday the hand is still swollen but feels better. The team hopes the 28-year-old can get back in the lineup this weekend when the Marlins face the Atlanta Braves for a three-game series.

Any production from Cooper would be welcomed as the lineup has been anything but an offensive juggernaut this season. He returned to the lineup after a stint on the IL and time at Advanced-A ball in Jupiter. In his first night in the lineup, he was plunked on the hand.

There might not be another player on the Marlins roster who has been plagued with bad luck as Cooper, who would like to get a few more games in and start contributing to the organization.

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“He’s had a lot of rough luck as far as injuries and not being able to stay on the field,” manager Don Mattingly said.

The Marlins have dealt with hitting woes and injuries this season that have contributed to the team’s 9-21 record. Neil Walker is still dealing with a hamstring issue. Catcher Jorge Alfaro has dealt with ailments as well. The Marlins sent centerfielder Lewis Brinson to the minors this week in a corresponding move to adding Cooper to the 25-man roster.

The Marlins have shown some more grit at the plate, getting more hits but lacking the run production to support solid pitching.

“Cooper was plunked by a Trevor Bauer 95.6 mph fastball on the back of his left hand,” writes Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. “The 28-year-old exited in the third inning on the day he was reinstated from the 10-day injured list due to a left calf strain.”

Cooper once again won the right field job on Opening Day in Spring Training. He missed all of 14 games last season in a Miami uniform. He was acquired in the trade last offseason that also brought Caleb Smith to the team from the New York Yankees. He started at first base on Tuesday night in place of Walker.

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As long as he is progressing with the injury, the hope is Cooper can play in the weekend series. What the organization and Cooper want to do is hold their breath every time he comes to the plate.